What Oshi no Ko reveals about lies, love, and stardom

Oshi no Ko is a Japanese manga series that reveals the hidden darkness behind the glamorous world of the entertainment industry, told through a unique reincarnation perspective. The journey of twin siblings, each driven by their own dreams and revenge, resonates deeply with readers. Through the powerful desire to “devote everything for the sake of their idol,” this story weaves a narrative where love and obsession, lies and truth, intertwine—constantly sparking conversation across social media and fan communities.

The intricately planted foreshadowing and complex human relationships throughout the work intensify the readers’ curiosity: “Who believes in what, and where are they heading?” The whirlwind of developments leading to the finale, and the lingering emotional impact after finishing the story—all of these elements contribute to the profound depth of Oshi no Ko.

What Message Is Oshi no Ko Trying to Convey?

Before diving into the twisted world of fame, revenge, and identity in Oshi no Ko, you might also enjoy a darker tale of genius and manipulation:

Oshi no Ko is neither a simple entertainment drama nor a mere reincarnation fantasy.
It is a story that reexamines the disconnects in relationships—between idols and fans, parents and children, and people in general—while revolving around the themes of lies and love.

This article presents a summary that organizes the story’s themes and the characters’ actions, focusing on the impressions felt while reading the work.

• The Kindness and Cruelty of Lies — Is Hiding Something for Someone’s Sake an Act of Love or Deceit?
• The Meaning of Supporting Someone — How “Oshi-ing” Influences One’s Life
• The Light and Shadow of Dreaming — The Reality Brought by Loneliness and Determination
• The Reality of Living in the Entertainment Industry — The “Other Story” Behind the Spotlight
• The Disconnect Between Parent and Child — The Paths of Those Loved Without Knowing Love

Without relying on spoilers, the article provides a clear and accessible overview of the themes and messages, guided by the characters’ actions and the progression of the story.

Overview of Oshi no Ko

Oshi no Ko is a collaborative work by Aka Akasaka and Mengo Yokoyari, serialized from 2020 to 2024 in Weekly Young Jump and Shonen Jump+. The series gained widespread popularity and was adapted into anime, live-action drama, film, and stage play formats.

It falls into the genres of “reincarnation fantasy,” “suspense,” and “entertainment industry drama,” presenting a unique world centered around the idol industry. Triggered by the protagonist’s reincarnation, the story delves into both the glamorous and shadowy sides of show business, addressing complex themes such as love, revenge, and human connection.

This section provides an organized summary of basic information about the series and its major characteristics.

Main Characters and Their Roles in the Story

Here is a brief explanation of the major characters, their positions, and their roles within the story.

• Aqua Hoshino: Formerly Goro, an obstetrician in his past life. After reincarnating, he becomes Ai’s son and operates in the entertainment world with revenge in his heart.
• Ruby Hoshino: Aqua’s twin sister. Her past life was Sarina, a girl suffering from a terminal illness. She follows in her mother’s footsteps to become an idol.
• Ai Hoshino: Center of B-Komachi and mother of Aqua and Ruby. She hides her status as a parent but loses her life to a stalker.
• Kana Arima: A former child prodigy and Aqua’s classmate. She balances acting and idol work and plays a vital role in the new B-Komachi.
• Akane Kurokawa: A genius actress with a background in theater. She becomes Aqua’s lover and supports his cause with understanding.
• MEM-cho: A former popular YouTuber with a past of lying about her age. She serves as an emotional anchor in the new B-Komachi.
• Ichigo Saito: Founder of Strawberry Productions and the one who raised Ai. In the latter part of the story, he returns to help Aqua with his revenge.
• Miyako Saito: Current president of Strawberry Productions. She supports Aqua and Ruby as a mother figure.
• Taishi Gotanda: A film director who discovers Aqua. He directs The 15-Year Lie, a movie Aqua creates for the sake of his revenge, and carries out Aqua’s will.
• Hikaru Kamiki: The biological father of Aqua and Ruby. A central antagonist with psychopathic tendencies.
• Fuyuko Niino: A former member of the original B-Komachi. She becomes an ally of Kamiki and opposes Aqua and the others near the story’s conclusion.
• Ryosuke Sugano: The stalker who murdered Goro and Ai. He triggers the tragedy that sets the story in motion.
• Airi Himekawa: Mother of Daiki Himekawa and had a child with Kamiki in the past. Her complex history misleads Aqua in his pursuit of revenge.
• Seijuro Uehara: Airi Himekawa’s late husband, initially mistaken by Aqua as his target of revenge.
• Frill Shiranui: A popular multi-talent who appears as a candidate for Ai’s role. She recognizes Ruby’s determination.
• Tsukuyomi: A divine figure who guides the reincarnation of Aqua and Ruby and interacts with the story from a god-like perspective.
• Marina Tendouji: Sarina’s biological mother. Her selfish nature emotionally scars Ruby.
• Katsuya Kaburagi: A TV producer and key figure who connects with many characters throughout the story.
• Masanori Shima: A film director portrayed as a symbol of the entertainment industry’s darker side.

Genre and Thematic Direction

While Oshi no Ko can be categorized as a Japanese reincarnation fantasy manga and entertainment industry suspense, it transcends these genre labels. The story thoroughly explores the structural issues and hidden darkness behind the glamorous world of showbiz, along with the suffering and hopes of those who live within it.

One of its most striking aspects is its exploration of the concepts of “oshi” (a person one supports or admires) and “idol,” digging deep into both the preciousness and danger of believing in someone. Although the story is based on a fantasy premise—reincarnation—it layers deeply human themes such as revenge, loss, and inner conflict.

For readers, the series poses powerful and personal questions: Why do we support someone? What are the risks of blindly believing in public images? And how should we engage with our own “oshi”?

Oshi no Ko: 2 Best Quotes

The story contains many emotionally charged lines. Here are two that left a particularly strong impression.
Each quote offers insight into what the series conveys and the lingering impact it leaves behind.

“Our oshi is our very life.” (volume 1)

→ This line isn’t spoken by any specific character but appears as narration, symbolizing the theme of the entire story.

→ It conveys the powerful emotions—strong dependency and almost religious devotion—that go beyond mere fandom, affecting one’s lifestyle and values.

→ The weight of declaring an “oshi” as one’s life itself encapsulates the core message of the work, giving readers a moment to reflect on their personal attachment and reasons for devotion.

“Chasing a dream is sometimes a lonely path.” (volume 2)

→ Spoken by Ruby Hoshino before she fully enters the entertainment world, as she reveals her inner thoughts.

→ Despite aiming for a dazzling goal, she is filled with uncertainty and loneliness, struggling to gain support from those around her.

→ While society often encourages chasing dreams, the isolation and doubts behind such pursuits are frequently overlooked. This line quietly reveals both the beauty and sorrow that come with chasing aspirations.

Top 5 Reader Reviews of Oshi no Ko

Here are five particularly memorable reader reviews of Oshi no Ko:

• “I wasn’t into idols or the entertainment industry, but the shocking development in the first chapter pulled me in. The balance between the glittering surface and dark reality is impressive.”
• “The pacing is excellent, blending suspense, romance, and behind-the-scenes drama of showbiz naturally. I never got bored reading it.”
• “The concept of twins with memories of a past life was intriguing. It’s not just another reincarnation story—there’s real depth. After finishing, I felt a strange mix of sadness and hope.”
• “From the middle onward, the focus on revenge became too dominant, and character development felt lacking. The lead-up to the finale didn’t deliver the impact I was hoping for.”
• “The premise was just too far-fetched. Having a middle-aged man’s consciousness in a baby’s body was disturbing—I couldn’t get into the story.”

Top 3 Manga Like Oshi no Ko

Before we recommend more stories about dark truths beneath fame and society, here’s another tale where masks hide humanity’s worst instincts:

Here are three recommended manga series for readers who were moved by Oshi no Ko:

Kaguya-sama: Love Is War

Genre: Romantic comedy / Psychological battle
Another popular series by Aka Akasaka, it features a “confession battle” between student council members. The detailed portrayal of emotional tension and inner conflict mirrors the compelling dialogue-driven storytelling found in Oshi no Ko.

Summer Time Rendering

Genre: Time loop / Mystery suspense
A story about a young man who returns to his hometown and repeatedly faces death to uncover the truth. The suspense, intricate plot, and the protagonist’s growth echo Aqua’s revenge-driven journey in Oshi no Ko. The intense pacing and masterful use of foreshadowing are standout features.

Tokyo Revengers

Genre: Time leap / Youth suspense
A tale of a young man trying to change the past to save the future. His confrontation with fate and desire for revenge align closely with Aqua’s path. The narrative is set in motion by the loss of a loved one, making it highly compatible in theme with Oshi no Ko.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways from This Article

The appeal of Oshi no Ko lies far beyond being a mere “entertainment industry manga.”
It is a story where sincere devotion to someone coexists with raw portrayals of betrayal and emotional conflict.
Many aspects resonate deeply with readers’ personal experiences and feelings, leaving a lasting impression even after finishing the series.

If you currently support someone as your “oshi,” this Japanese manga may offer a chance to reflect on your own emotions and motivations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the meaning behind the title Oshi no Ko?

The title carries a double meaning: it can be interpreted as “the child of the idol you support” and also “someone as precious as your oshi.” It symbolizes the relationship between “love” and “idolization,” which is a central theme of the series.

Can you briefly summarize the plot of the Oshi no Ko manga series?

The story follows twin siblings who retain memories from their past lives as they navigate the Japanese entertainment industry in pursuit of uncovering the truth behind their mother’s death and fulfilling her dream.

When was the manga serialized?

It was serialized in Weekly Young Jump from April 23, 2020, to November 14, 2024.

Has it been adapted into an anime?

Yes, it was adapted into an anime starting in April 2023, staying faithful to the structure of the original manga.

How was the reception of the final chapter?

Reactions on social media were mixed, with lively discussions surrounding the characters’ fates and the resolution of the story’s themes.